Looking Beyond the Horizons: A Journey in Hospitality
Eight years ago, I never could have imagined myself in the hospitality industry. As a young college student, I followed the expected path of academic study in sociology at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. But soon, I grew dissatisfied with this path and decided to explore other career opportunities.
With no clear direction in life at the age of 19, I embarked on a transformative journey across America. From the peaceful Midwest to the vibrant California Coast, I traveled over 10,000 miles by car, immersing myself in the diverse landscapes and cultures of this vast country. It was during this soul-searching adventure that I encountered someone who saw potential in me for the hospitality industry.
Inspired by this encounter, I returned to my hometown of Hudson, Wisconsin, and started working at a local family-owned hotel. This experience planted the seeds of kindness, friendliness, and outgoing hospitality within me, but I yearned for more.
Seeking new horizons, I made the bold decision to move to Denver, Colorado, the bustling heartbeat of the Rocky Mountains. There, I began my career as a front desk agent at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Downtown Denver. This role allowed me to interact with guests from all over the world, immersing myself in the rich experiences and attractions that Denver and the Rocky Mountains had to offer. I honed my skills as a concierge, ensuring that each guest had the best possible experience. It was a fulfilling year, but family obligations called me back to the Twin Cities area.
In Minneapolis-St. Paul, I joined the prestigious Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Minneapolis. With 290 rooms and a bustling corporate atmosphere, this full-service hotel provided me with invaluable experience. From hosting concerts and sporting events to accommodating corporate guests, I encountered a wide array of individuals. Almost a year passed before family needs drew me to Florida, where I found my next adventure at the Homewood Suites by the University of Central Florida.
In Florida, I embraced the warmth of the sunshine and the tropical vibe as I worked as a dual front desk agent and night auditor. This role allowed me to delve into the intricacies of auditing, financial reports, and independent hotel management. As I ensured the smooth operation of the hotel during nighttime hours, I developed valuable skills in problem-solving and crisis resolution.
However, the arrival of COVID-19 brought about drastic changes in my life. Without close relatives nearby and growing concerns about Florida's handling of the pandemic, I made the decision to leave the state and seek opportunities elsewhere. I found myself in the Tri-State New England area, and eventually secured a position at the Homewood Suites in Schenectady. As a front desk agent, I faced the challenges of working during a pandemic, shouldering the responsibility of attending to hotel needs alone after 6 o'clock.
Throughout my four years as a front desk agent, I embraced the role of assuming managerial duties, despite not holding a formal supervisor or managerial position. I became adept at adhering to state mandates, resolving crises, managing noise complaints, and solving problems independently. My confidence in crisis resolution grew, and I sought opportunities to expand my abilities.
An opening closer to my residence in Albany led me to the Hampton Inn and Suites in Downtown Albany. Building upon my experience in municipal downtown locations, I eagerly embraced the promise of supervisory and operational responsibilities. I oversaw room management, parking, breakfast set-up, and participated in new hire training. Unfortunately, the company's financial mismanagement during the pandemic threatened my job security, prompting me to seek new opportunities. It was then that I was offered the position of front office supervisor at the esteemed Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel.
The Desmond Hotel served as a major stepping stone in my journey towards becoming a supervisor and manager. With 322 rooms and a full-service convention setup, I became well-versed in paying attention to detail, improving rankings, and driving team performance. Within eight months, I was promoted to assistant Front Office Manager, assuming a greater role in guest satisfaction, complaint resolution, and ensuring the happiness of both guests and employees.
My journey in the hospitality industry has been a profound learning experience. Each hotel has taught me invaluable lessons in the importance of undivided attention, empathetic listening, kindness, intention, class, and execution. Whether as a front desk agent or a manager, I have learned how to adapt to new environments, embrace new ideas, and uplift my employees. My goal is to ensure that every individual, whether a guest or an employee, feels their best in my presence.
While there is much more I could share about my experiences, I believe it is important to focus on the future. Ever since my visit to the island of Antigua, I have been captivated by its culture and people. Recognizing that tourism plays a significant role in the economy of Antigua and Barbuda, I see an incredible opportunity to expand my career in the luxury hospitality industry in this beautiful destination. I firmly believe that my experiences have prepared me to excel in luxury-class resorts, and I am ready to seize this moment.
I hope that my passion for hospitality shines through as you learn more about me. My resume is available for your perusal, and I sincerely appreciate the time you have taken to get to know me better.
The future awaits, and I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my hospitality journey.